Uganda’s national parks are the most popular touristic places in Uganda. The receipts from tourism within these national parks have been used to develop the country at a high rate. These national parks are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a governmental parastatal established in August 1996 by the Uganda wildlife statute that expanded national parks and game departments.
This organization is headed by the minister for Tourism and Antiquities and who appoints a Board of trustees to work along with. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is responsible for 10 national parks, 5 community wildlife management areas, 13 wildlife sanctuaries and 12 game reserves. As UWA being responsible for wildlife, it took measures to conserve and sustainably manage the wildlife and protected areas of Uganda in partnership with the neighboring communities as well as other stake holders and the global community. UWA aimed at being a leading self-sustaining conservation agency that transforms Uganda into one of the best ecotourism destination in Africa.
Uganda’s ten national parks contain a fabulous variety of habitats. These range from snow-capped mountain peaks and vast papyrus swamps, to dark tropical forests and open savanna plains. These game reserves are home to an impressive range of wildlife including over 1000 species of birds, with many other species. Some of the wild animals to see in Uganda include chimpanzees, the endangered mountain gorillas etc. While most of the mammals are found in the savanna parks, there is a good number of animals that are forest animals.
List of Ugandan National Parks
Uganda has a network of 10 national parks, several game reserves and wildlife reserves protecting unique flora and fauna. From the rare mountain gorillas to usual “big five” there are a lot of surprises in terms of wildlife to any traveler visiting Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park
Covering over 3480 sq km, Murchison Falls is not only the oldest but also the largest national park in Uganda. The park hosts 76 mammal species and 451 bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Covering 1978 sq km, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited national park. It host traditional big game plus 10 primates and over 600 species of birds.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Covering 1442 sq km, Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park on the border with south Sudan and contigous with the Kidepo Game Reserve. The remote park is home to plenty of big game and contains 77 mammal and 475 bird species. There is one lodge wthin the park, plus a camp and campsite.
Mount Elgon National Park
Close to the border with Kenya lies Mount Elgon National Park. Covering 1279 sq km, as its name suggests the park is dominated by Mount Elgon, an extinct volcanic mountain. The park protects some wildlife and 144 recorded bird species. Notable attractions in the park are Sipi Falls, Syisi Falls, and more.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
This high altitude national park covers 1,000 sq km. The park protects the Rwenzori Mountain ranges,
some 70 mammals and a recorded 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift Endemics as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
Kibale Forest National Park
This tropical rain forest is home to 766 sq km. Adjoining Queen Elizabeth Park, this park contains about 70 mammals including 13 species of primates and 375 bird species.
Lake Mburo National Park
Covering 260 sq km, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of the savanna parks. It contains a good number of mammals and 350 bird species. Its broad section of plains hosts wild game including Zebras, impala, elands, buffaloes, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, topi and reedbuck as well as predators such as leopard and hyena. In the wetland part of the park, hippos and water animals can be seen in the patk.
Semuliki National Park
A central African forest reserve rather than an East African one, Semuliki National Park is a unique forest covering 220 sq km. Notable attractions in the park include hotsprings,
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Covering 128 sq km, Bwindi contains roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park has several habituated groups and it is the best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda. This biologically diverse region is home to further 120 mammals including several primates as well as elephants and antelopes. There are about 350 bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This is Uganda’s smallest national park covering 33.7 sq km. This visually stunning park is the lesser known of Uganda’s two mountain gorilla parks. It is also home to the golden monkey and golden monkey tracking is one of the popular activities that bring tourists to the park.